NAACP President Wendell Anthony introduced Grammy-nominated artist Kid Rock at the dinner Sunday. “We aren’t saluting the flag, but the person,” said Anthony.

In receiving the award and addressing the controversy over flying the confederate flag at some of his concerts, Kid Rock , whose real name is Robert Ritchie said; “This is awesome, I will cherish the award forever, I love Detroit and I love black people.”

Ritchie did say that he never meant anything bad by flying the Confederate Flag. While at the podium Ritchie said he was donating $50,000 dollars total, in amounts of $10,000 to each of five charities:

Ritchie finished by saying that we should not forget the people suffering from the devastation of the tornadoes in Alabama and that he was donating $50,000 to the victims in that area.

Kid Rock and Senator Bert Johnson were the recipients of the Great Expectations Award given by the NAACP during the civil rights organization’s annual fundraising dinner.

Keynote speaker U.S. Congressman John Lewis said it’s time for the NAACP to get in trouble again, to speak out more. “Don’t give up, keep your eyes on the prize,” Lewis said.

Next year celebrates the 100th anniversary of the NAACP and to begin that celebration, NAACP President Wendell Anthony, UAW President Bob King, UAW Vice-President Jimmy Settles, and Congressman Lewis lit a torch.